Why do water droplets remain on the car after rain?
2 Answers
The reason water droplets remain on the car after rain is due to the application of wax. Generally, the water droplets will not roll off. Below are the relevant explanations: 1. Function of waxing: The paint surface of a new car is in good condition, and waxing can effectively protect the paint from oxidation caused by ultraviolet rays and other factors, maintaining the paint's gloss. 2. Waxing intervals: The interval between waxing should vary depending on the driving environment and parking conditions of the vehicle. For vehicles parked in garages and mostly driven on good roads, waxing every 2 months is sufficient. For vehicles parked outdoors and exposed to wind and rain, the interval can be slightly shorter.
Every time I see water droplets not rolling off the car after rain, I find it quite fascinating. This is mainly because the car's surface has wax or a coating that makes it superhydrophobic, causing the droplets to bead up instead of flowing. I'm the type who loves keeping my car clean and regularly waxes it, so water forms perfect beads that slide off like on lotus leaves, preventing dust buildup and even self-cleaning the car. If these droplets aren't dealt with promptly, they can leave spots or accelerate rusting when dry, especially on older cars. I recommend drying the car or applying wax after washing to prevent excessive water accumulation that might obstruct visibility. Additionally, this phenomenon is more noticeable in hot weather—high humidity makes droplets evaporate slower, so keeping the car surface dry is crucial. Generally, newer cars with better coatings will have more perfectly rounded, non-sticking water beads.
